Worcester County Commissioners Vote 4-3 to Reduce Board of Education Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request

The Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-3 Tuesday to reduce the Worcester County Board of Education’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request by nearly $2.8 million. Commissioners Caryn Abbott, Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting, and Commission President Ted Elder voted in favor of the reduction, while Vice President Eric Fiori and Commissioners Joseph Mitrecic and Diana Purnell voted against it. School officials have expressed concern that the reduction could affect a variety of programs and services throughout the school system. School officials say they are reviewing the effects of the reduction and are expected to discuss potential budget adjustments at a previously scheduled special Board of Education meeting.